People First Stadium will this weekend play host to the fourth annual Round to RizeUp when the Gold Coast SUNS take on Hawthorn on Saturday night.

The fixture, which was first held in 2021, sees the SUNS and Major Charity Partner RizeUp Australia join forces to raise awareness and funds for families afflicted by domestic and family violence.

RizeUp Australia aims to drive awareness for families affected by domestic and family violence by providing life-changing, practical support to assist them in moving on to a life free from violence.

The initiative has raised more than $50,000 since 2021 with the Gold Coast SUNS and players this morning beginning donations for the 2024 iteration with a $5,000 contribution, with a further contribution of $1,500 from the GC SUNS.

RizeUp CEO and founder Nicolle Edwards says Saturday’s match is an important event to ensure support can continue to be provided to families in need.

“This day is a very important day for RizeUp and the Gold Coast community because we are driving awareness of domestic and family violence in our community,” Edwards said.

“As we stand here today, 18 Australian women have lost their lives to violence in 2024. It is imperative that we all understand the role that we play in driving an end to domestic and family violence.

“We have walked side-by-side to furnish many homes over the years while we’ve been in partnership. Your valuable donations will ensure that the most vulnerable in our community will be able to sleep soundly in a room that’s been furnished and put together by the Gold Coast SUNS and our community."

“Our goal this weekend is to raise $30,000 to support the critical work of RizeUp Australia.”

RizeUp and the Gold Coast SUNS have joined forces over the last nine years to assist families in need, with RizeUp becoming the club’s Major Charity Partner in 2020.

GC SUNS vice-captain and RizeUp Ambassador Sam Collins’ match-worn guernsey will be available for auction following the match, as will the match ball, with all proceeds to be donated to RizeUp.

SUNS members and fans will also have the opportunity to donate to RizeUp at People First Stadium on game day.

“RizeUp does an incredible job supporting families fleeing the trauma of domestic and family violence and ensuring they have the basic tools and necessities to be able to restart their lives in safety,” Collins said.

“It’s a privilege to be able to play a role in raising awareness for the incredible work RizeUp does and we’re looking to showing that support in Saturday’s Round to RizeUp match against Hawthorn at People First Stadium.”

For more information, or to donate to RizeUp Australia, visit rizeup.com.au.

Tickets are available through Ticketek with GC SUNS memberships also available from as little as $32.